Peterborough Panthers to hold support rally

Supporters of Peterborough Panthers are calling for redevelopment plans to be reconsidered to keep a speedway track

A rally has been organised in support of speedway team Peterborough Panthers.

The team are currently without a stadium after its racetrack at the East of England Showground site shut in October after 53 years.

The site is due to be redeveloped.

Supporters hope the event on 18 November will raise awareness of the club's fight for survival.

A six-person consortium is looking at a possible takeover of the team.

The group are asking the site's operators Asset Earned Power Group (AEPG) to reconsider closing the track.

AEPG said the current Panthers owner Keith Chapman had begun removing the speedway track and other items he owns.

A spokesperson said it would not be feasible to put a speedway track within the development plan.

Mick Bratley, a member of the consortium, said: "It's been our home for 53 years, we're not looking to find a new home, we want to stay at the showground."

"It's a real family sport and we need that sort of thing in this pressured way of life," he added.

The closure of the racetrack brought to an end 53 years of speedway at the East of England Showground

Julie Stevenson, independent councillor for Orton Waterville in Peterborough, said the stadium has been a significant spot for many.

She said: "A number of people have scattered family members' ashes here. To come and bulldoze it, families would not have done that if they thought it would become a housing estate."

There will be speeches from mayor Nick Sandford and the Labour parliamentary candidate for Peterborough Andrew Pakes at the rally which will start at 13:30 GMT.

Development plans for the 165-acre showground site include a leisure complex, up to 1,500 new homes, a hotel, a primary school and care home.

The East of England Agricultural Society owns the East of England Showground and is in the process of selling it.

As part of the sale, the land needs to be clear of commercial operations or agreements.